Businesses seeking to operate along North Nashville’s Buchanan Street will soon have to follow a new set of guidelines following the Metro Council’s approval of a commercial compatibility overlay district for the area.
The overlay district was made possible by the council’s approval of two bills, BL2026-1168 and BL2026-1169, at Tuesday night's meeting. The bills, sponsored by Councilmember Brandon Taylor, put limits on the kinds of businesses able to operate along Buchanan Street. The legislation restricts new beer/cigarette markets and payday lenders from opening and puts 2,640-foot buffers between auto repair shops, car washes and liquor sellers. The bill would also put restrictions on bars and nightclubs, outlining that the businesses cannot amplify sound after 9 p.m. and are required to close between midnight and 9 a.m.
New rules for Buchanan Street businesses spark questions about North Nashville’s future
Taylor has said the bill is an attempt to drive smart growth and development while maintaining the neighborhood’s character.
The legislation received substantial pushback from some community members earlier this year over concerns of gentrification and displacement in the historically Black neighborhood. Meanwhile, some business owners in the area showed up in support of the legislation at previous council meetings.
Several residents who spoke during public comment on Tuesday cited proposed state legislation they believe could impact the district. The state bill, known as the "Tennessee Private Property Vesting Rights of 2026,” would entitle property owners to compensation from public entities if the latter implements a land-use policy that reduced the property’s fair-market value. The bill is currently being considered before House and Senate committees.
New zoning policies, proposed Buchanan Street regulations lead to contentious public hearing about fairness and displacement
The council approved the overlay district 31-1, with Councilmember Tasha Ellis voting against the measure and Councilmember Ginny Welsch abstaining.
In other business, the council approved several resolutions and ordinances in response to January’s historic winter ice storm. These included a resolution requesting that Nashville Electric Service submit its current and future contracts, agreements and other related documents to the Metro clerk in an effort to increase transparency.
The council also gave is final approval to an ordinance allowing the Metro Assessor of Property to prorate property assessments for certain properties damaged by the winter storm. Another ordinance that would give a one-time bill credit to water and sewer customers due to the storm was deferred to April 7 after considerable debate over its potential cost.
